Winners’ names are provided to the Shoalhaven Business Chamber for announcement at the Awards Gala

What are judges looking for in your written entry?The judges are initially looking for the questions to be answered. Providing information that is not related to the question is not helpful. Your responses must also clearly demonstrate excellence by your business.

Interviews/site visitsInterviews will take place between Thursday 20 July and Tuesday 8 August, typically at the finalists’ place of business. Finalists will be announced on 20 July so this is the earliest that judges will be able to start contacting finalists to set up interviews. Interviews take between 30 and 60 minutes.

Franchise business ownersPlease note that if you are a franchise business, the judges will be looking for information that demonstrates extraordinary success in the execution of your franchise model and/or unique initiatives, strategies and other successes that are directly attributable to your local team and that set your business apart from competitors and other local organisations. This approach aims to fairly recognise a franchise’s dedication to excellence while acknowledging the advantage a franchise structure offers from an operational and support service perspective.

What are the judges looking for during interview?The judges will be looking for entrants to clearly reinforce information provided in the entry. They will also ask questions that are not part of the written submission to learn more about your business and give you the best chance at demonstrating why you should win your category.

How finalists are selectedFinalists are selected based on the score from their written entry.

How winners are selectedWinners are selected by judges scoring the written submission as well as responses provided in the interview.

How Business of the Year is selectedOutstanding business category winners that also meet the additional criteria for Business of the Year will be put forward as a finalist. Each judge presents their case as to why they feel the business they are putting forward deserves to win. Once the shortlist is determined, judges vote by secret ballot.

What are the distinguishing features of the Business of the Year?In addition to being a standout business when compared with the other category winners, judges will also be looking for: